One of the gems of new york's Hudson Valley is the charity Sparrow's Nest. They make meals for families whose main caregiver is ill. It all started when, as described by the founder Krista Jones:

"Just two short years ago, I lost a dear friend. Then, in a matter of months, I received the devastating news that 4 other friends were battling cancer. I couldn’t find a cure, because after all, I am only a mom…but I am a mom and maybe that is the most important thing of all."

So her support to a few families became a major support network. Local car dealers promote fundraising events in their radio ads. There are many girls' nights out and 5Ks to amp up donations.

I think a lot of people focus on saving the world, when what they should do is focus on helping that 1 neighbor, then it may turn into helping 2 neighbors and if everyone did that small part...think of how things would improve in the whole community.

People go online to complain about what needs fixed in their own communities, but they look for the wrong people to do the fixing. They should look in the mirror to see how they can "fix" a problem for 1 other person.

Yes, Lany and Sheryl - there's one cure for helplessness: help someone, anyone. And thank goodness for organizations like this that already exist. Show up, be useful, show up again, spread the world. Holy crap... the world starts to change!

Oh my gosh, I totally agree. We really can do more than we think we can. We can impact and reach more people than we think we can. Many times, we just have to begin. This is a good reminder that we CAN do great things.